South Africa made a strong statement on day one of their first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, finishing on 418 for 9 at stumps. The visitors were in deep trouble early in the day, but two young debutants turned the match around. Nineteen-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius hit a record-breaking 153 while Corbin Bosch scored a calm and steady hundred to frustrate Zimbabwe, who missed several chances.
It was a day full of drama, lucky escapes, missed opportunities, and brilliant stroke-play. Zimbabwe started strong and had South Africa on the back foot at 23 for 3, but the hosts failed to build on that momentum. South Africa debutants took full advantage, helping their team fight back.
Zimbabwe Strike Early as South Africa Lose Three Quick Wickets
The Test began with Zimbabwe showing great control and discipline with the ball. Tanaka Chivanga led the charge, striking three times early on to leave South Africa struggling. Tony de Zorzi fell first, edging to third slip without scoring. Mathew Breetzke followed soon after, falling to a sharp delivery that bounced more than expected.
David Bedingham was the third to go, edging a delivery to first slip. At that point, South Africa were 23 for 3 and in big trouble. Zimbabwe were on top, with the bowlers creating pressure and forcing mistakes. Muzarabani and Masakadza kept things tight, making it difficult for the batters to score freely.
Pretorius Begins Fightback After Early Collapse
Lhuan-dre Pretorius walked in at a tough moment. But the young debutant showed no signs of fear. He took the attack to the bowlers, hitting boundaries and rotating the strike. In the 18th over, he smashed Masakadza for a six and followed it up with two more boundaries, announcing his arrival in style.
Even though Zimbabwe bowlers kept a good line, Pretorius looked comfortable. His aggressive intent and quick footwork put pressure back on the hosts. Slowly, he began to build an important partnership and took South Africa past 50 runs.
Wiaan Mulder Run Out After Mix-up
South Africa hopes of a steady recovery were hurt by a run-out. Wiaan Mulder, who had just started to settle in, was dismissed after a misunderstanding with Pretorius. Muzarabani direct throw hit the stumps, and Zimbabwe had their fourth wicket with only 55 runs on the board.
This setback could have slowed South Africa down again, but what followed was a remarkable partnership between two young talents.
Brevis and Pretorius Turn the Match Around
Dewald Brevis joined Pretorius and immediately made an impact. Brevis, also on debut, showed his natural attacking game even in the longest format. He started confidently and played some beautiful strokes, including a six and a four in the same over.
Brevis reached his fifty in just 38 balls, smashing three sixes in one over off Masekesa. The partnership between Pretorius and Brevis added 95 runs in quick time and shifted the pressure back on Zimbabwe.
Brevis eventually fell for 51, toe-ending a pull shot to mid-off. But his positive approach helped South Africa gain momentum and left Zimbabwe looking for answers.
Zimbabwe Miss Multiple Chances to Dismiss Pretorius
Pretorius was brilliant with the bat, but he also had a lot of luck. He was dropped or given not out on four separate occasions on 30, 54, 55, and 127. Zimbabwe fielders and the absence of DRS allowed Pretorius to continue his innings even after clear edges and close LBW calls.
The most frustrating moment for Zimbabwe came when Pretorius was trapped in front by Masekesa on 54, but the umpire turned down the appeal. In another instance, a mistimed pull flew just over the keeper’s head, and Zimbabwe missed another chance.
Despite the lucky escapes, Pretorius made the most of his opportunities and played a special innings that changed the course of the match.
Pretorius Scores Historic 150 Before Falling After Tea
Pretorius continued to dominate after Brevis’ dismissal. He found support from the lower order and reached his century in 112 balls. His knock included several clean sixes and a number of well-timed boundaries. He was calm, confident, and aggressive when needed.
Pretorius eventually reached 150, becoming the youngest player to do so in men Test cricket history. His innings was full of energy and bravery, especially considering South Africa’s position when he came in.
He was finally dismissed in the 65th over, skying a pull shot off Chivanga to mid-on. By then, he had already helped South Africa post a strong total, and the momentum had shifted completely.
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Bosch Plays Patient Knock to Bring Up Maiden Test Hundred
After Pretorius fell, Corbin Bosch took over the responsibility of anchoring the innings. Bosch played smart cricket, rotating strike and finding boundaries when needed. He didn’t rush his innings and built partnerships with the lower order.
Bosch reached his fifty in the 71st over and remained steady even as wickets fell around him. He guided South Africa from 310 to past the 400-run mark, showing excellent temperament and shot selection. Bosch finished the day unbeaten on 100 off 124 balls, scoring five boundaries in the process.
Zimbabwe Bowlers Show Promise But Miss Opportunities
Tanaka Chivanga was the pick of the bowlers, ending with 4 wickets for 82 runs. He bowled with pace and energy throughout the day and created several chances. Blessing Muzarabani was tight and difficult to score against, while Masakadza and Masekesa had their moments.
However, the bowling unit failed to maintain pressure for long periods, and dropped chances proved costly. Zimbabwe inability to finish off key moments allowed South Africa to post a big score on day one.
Maharaj and Yusuf Add Valuable Runs Down the Order
South Africa tail also contributed useful runs. Keshav Maharaj hit 21 with two big sixes, giving Bosch support in a 41-run stand. Debutant Codi Yusuf also batted well, scoring 27 with five boundaries. These runs helped take the score closer to 400.
Even after Yusuf got out, Bosch continued to bat with last man Kwena Maphaka. He reached his hundred in the final over of the day and ensured South Africa ended the day in a strong position.
South Africa Hold Advantage After Day One
At the end of day one, South Africa had scored 418 for 9, a position that looked unlikely when they were 23 for 3. Pretorius attacking 153 and Bosch’s calm hundred were the key highlights of the day. Zimbabwe had their chances but failed to grab them.
With only one wicket left, South Africa will hope to add a few more runs on day two. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, need a solid batting response to stay in the match. The first day belonged to the South African debutants, who announced their arrival on the biggest stage with confidence and style.
FAQs
Who was the top scorer for South Africa on day one?
Lhuan-dre Pretorius was the top scorer for South Africa, making 153 runs off 160 balls.
How many chances did Zimbabwe miss to dismiss Pretorius?
Zimbabwe missed at least four clear chances to dismiss Pretorius, including edges and LBW appeals.
Who else scored a century for South Africa besides Pretorius?
Corbin Bosch also scored a hundred, finishing the day unbeaten on 100 off 124 balls.
What was the score when South Africa lost their third wicket?
South Africa were 23 for 3 when David Bedingham was dismissed in the 15th over.
Which Zimbabwe bowler took the most wickets?
Tanaka Chivanga was the most successful bowler for Zimbabwe, taking 4 wickets for 82 runs.
